Keen to Force issue again

KAWANA coach Roger Hardwicke says his charges have "got a taste for success" after winning the regular-season premiership last year.

So now the Force is seeking to capture it again, despite losing a couple of key players in the off-season.

The Bokarina team finished on top of the ladder after a lengthy campaign last year and just missed securing the double when it fell to Maroochydore in the grand final.

"We were delighted to win the league last year and if you interview most of the coaches during the year, most of them would say that's the most prestigious sort of thing to win, especially last year over 27 rounds," Hardwicke said.

"We finished on top there, but just couldn't back up on grand final day. It was a terrific season for the club. If we could achieve what we did last year, then we'll be delighted.

"The guys have got that taste of success and are keen to have it again."

The Force will be without striker Scott Rocker, the scorer of more than 20 goals last season, and midfielder Scott McLean.

Hardwicke, however, is impressed with the way his troops have performed in winning two pre-season games, including a recent 6-1 demolition of Nerang.

The Force will clash with Maroochydore's second-grade side in the opening round of the Johnny Warren Cup tomorrow before hosting the Sunshine Coast Fire on Saturday.

However, if rain persists, the Cup clash will be moved to Saturday and the Fire trial cancelled.